Safely celebrating Valentine’s Day
The community is encouraged to stay safe ahead of Valentine's Day celebrations.
CELEBRATING Valentine’s Day along with HIV and STI awareness week, Phakamani Empowerment is running a campaign to encourage the public to practise safe sex.
Formed in 2011, Phakamani Empowerment is a Durban-based organisation that specialises in transformative initiatives, including social-behaviour-change communication, self-esteem campaigns, demand generation, marketing and skills development training.
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Phakamani Ndlovu, who is the founder of Phakamani Empowerment, said the campaign is in response to escalating rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affecting individuals aged between 10 to 49 in the eThekwini area.
He added, “You’re likely to [have more fun] when you practise safer sex – something everyone should remember, especially during this month of love. A little bit of caution and care can really go a long way. The use of condoms decreases your risk of getting STIs. Protect yourself and your partner from STIs – practise safe sex and use a condom all the time. Together, let’s keep each other safe.
“Stock up for Valentine’s Day and the month of love! Always carry a condom. It’s your responsibility to protect yourself and your partner! Use condoms always and correctly.”
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Embarking on their campaign, Ndlovu said their team will be visiting mostly higher institutions in the Upper Highway area and the rest of Durban. “We will be going around universities and colleges, distributing condoms and giving lessons that raise awareness on safe sex and the use of condoms. The dates start from next week and will be announced closer to the time,” said Ndlovu.
For more information, Phakamani Ndlovu can be contacted on 083 761 5841 or you can follow Phakamani Empowerment on Facebook.
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